Work

Race and Place Matter: Inequity in Prenatal Care for Reservation-Dwelling American Indian People

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Early initiation and consistent use of prenatal care is linked with improved health outcomes. American Indian birthing people have higher rates of inadequate prenatal care (IPNC), but limited research has examined IPNC among people living on American Indian reservations. The current study uses birth certificate data from the state of Montana (n = 57,006) to examine predictors of IPNC. Data on the community context is integrated to examine the role of community health in mediating the associations between reservation status and IPNC. Results suggest that reservation-dwelling birthers are more likely to have IPNC, an association partially mediated by community health. Odds of IPNC are higher for reservation-dwelling American Indian people compared to reservation-dwelling White birthers, highlighting intersecting inequalities of race and place.

Source: Journal of Health and Social Behavior

DOI: 10.1177/00221465241236448

Authors: Maggie L. Thorsen, Janelle F. Palacios

Institutions: Montana State University, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

Language: English

Topic: Maternal and Neonatal Healthcare

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: National Institute of General Medical Sciences